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Wethead Final Drive Lubricant Specification
- Thread starter stooie
- Start date
52184
GTRider
That last one seems close, especially at $46 per half-liter. If BMW is specifying a specific lubricant in order to maintain warranty coverage, then I’d wonder if they need to supply that gratis under Magnuson-Moss. And if there are no specifics available on “G3”, like viscosity, lube classification, required additives in the formulation, etc then the consumer is unable to reliably source a non-BMW lubricant. And if you use a non-approved lubricant and have a final drive failure your warranty coverage gets called into question. Catch-22 in real life...
Best,
DeVern
stooie
Member
Good for BMW for adding it to the '20 manual. No such line exists in my '18 manual.
pglaves
#13338
I may be wrong so if somebody actually knows for sure please correct me. But it looks to me like G3 is a designation for automatic transmission fluid with Dexron III G specification. This would seem to be a very light viscosity.
See: https://www.lubricants.total.com/bu...ion-fluids/transmission-fluids-passenger-cars
Scroll down to "Automatic Transmission Fluids with Dexron III G specification"
I may be misreading this but all other mentions of G3 Google found were BMW or Mini specific.
I did find some "comment" style opinions saying that G3 was the same as 75W90 GL-5 but I didn't find any reliable source saying this.
See: https://www.lubricants.total.com/bu...ion-fluids/transmission-fluids-passenger-cars
Scroll down to "Automatic Transmission Fluids with Dexron III G specification"
I may be misreading this but all other mentions of G3 Google found were BMW or Mini specific.
I did find some "comment" style opinions saying that G3 was the same as 75W90 GL-5 but I didn't find any reliable source saying this.
As I have used quite a bit of this amazingly fragrant bit of modern lubricants,
I saw the following-
and just sorta moved on by
OM
AKsuited
New member
The BMW Repair Manual on disc for my bike calls for Castrol SAF-XO for the final drive.
I found this product, which the supplier says meets those specs: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/07512293972.htm?pn=07-51-2-293-972-M1137
or this, which is likely rebranded Castrol: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Fluids/...MW-Synthetic-Gear-Oil-SAF-XO-07512293972.html
Some more discussion here: https://www.bmwlt.com/threads/saf-xo-fd-oil.142626/
Above applies to 2015 R1200GS.
Harry
PS: shipping @ Pelicanparts is expensive - I'll check local stores for availability.
I found this product, which the supplier says meets those specs: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/07512293972.htm?pn=07-51-2-293-972-M1137
or this, which is likely rebranded Castrol: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Fluids/...MW-Synthetic-Gear-Oil-SAF-XO-07512293972.html
Some more discussion here: https://www.bmwlt.com/threads/saf-xo-fd-oil.142626/
Above applies to 2015 R1200GS.
Harry
PS: shipping @ Pelicanparts is expensive - I'll check local stores for availability.
pglaves
#13338
Somebody needs to go ask their dealership for their free gear lube under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (PL 93-637). Since BMW has specified only their proprietary G3 gear lubricant with no corresponding generic specification; ie. viscosity and rating; then under the law they need to provide that proprietary item free of charge.
After the dealership discloses "that is the same as ... " please report back.
After the dealership discloses "that is the same as ... " please report back.
Somebody needs to go ask their dealership for their free gear lube under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (PL 93-637). Since BMW has specified only their proprietary G3 gear lubricant with no corresponding generic specification; ie. viscosity and rating; then under the law they need to provide that proprietary item free of charge.
After the dealership discloses "that is the same as ... " please report back.
That would be a funny interaction to be sure
Along those lines, here in mass, there is another “right to repair” deal going on. It has to do with car manufacturers trying to limit access to the wireless vehicle diagnostics.
The “OBD-2” port access had already been settled- in the consumer’s favor some years back.
OM
stooie
Member
Geeze, Paul, What an interesting link.
I'm pretty sure that Dexron III G3 is an entirely different product. While Dexron automatic transmission fluid is an incredibly widely used product I doubt that it's the same lube we're talking about here. I don't believe it has the extreme-pressure additives required by hypoid gears like those in the final drive. That's why it's listed for automotive transmissions but not for rear axles.
I suspect the G3 we want is part of the BMW proprietary scheme of G1, G2, etc. that they also use in their automobiles.
Trivia: Sikorsky Aircraft designated Dexron as an "alternate oil" for use in the main transmission of our S-76 commercial helicopter back in the 1970s. I don't know if it is still listed as such. The lubricant specialist who designated it was very impressed with its qualities. Apparently automatic transmission fluid has a terrific additive package providing excellent viscosity stability vs. temperature, anti-corrosion properties, etc.
"You just keep on thinkin', Butch. That's what you're good at."
Sundance Kid
52184
GTRider
That will be interesting to watch. As you said, the OBD issue was settled years ago, but I’d suspect your issue in MA centers on OBD2 access for entering dealer sales codes. The auto manufacturers install a module in the vehicle that actually is capable of activating all, or nearly all, of the fancy optional functions—things like tilt mirror, puddle lights, and so on. “Purchasing an accessory function” translates to visiting the dealer and paying for not only the added feature, but in an act of pure gall an added charge for the “installation.” Usually an hour’s worth.
With tools like AlphaOBD folks have been buying any necessary hardware bits like different mirrors, then entering those codes themselves and the mfgrs are not taking it lightly. I suspect the question will revolve around who owns the module, and it’s internal coding, once the vehicle has been sold. Issues like this have plagued the computer and software industries for years.
Best,
DeVern
Best,
DeVern
The last change and this pending update always looked to me a giving the little guy a chance-
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Right_to_Repair_Initiative#2020_Ballot_Measure
I’m not sure if it’s the same as you are referencing.
OM
Dann
New member
I went to the dealer today and asked them about the Hypoid Axle Oil G3 part # 83222460128 specified in the manual.
They don't carry it and have no idea what it is.
They put this in the FD
$55 CDN.
I'll stick with the 2003-2009 Land Rover Range Rover Differential Oil - Rear Differential - Castrol LRN7591 - Syntrax Long Life; Equivalent to: Castrol SAF-XO) $14 CDN from the Land Rover dealer that I've been using in my 07RT
They don't carry it and have no idea what it is.
They put this in the FD
$55 CDN.
I'll stick with the 2003-2009 Land Rover Range Rover Differential Oil - Rear Differential - Castrol LRN7591 - Syntrax Long Life; Equivalent to: Castrol SAF-XO) $14 CDN from the Land Rover dealer that I've been using in my 07RT
Attachments
Last edited:
rxcritical
New member
I just updated my repair manual and it stated both the Synthetik OSP as shown in the picture above and on a second line it stated Hypoid G3.
So apparently now you can use either.
Dann
New member
Which manual do you have?
The one I have for my R1250RT
Version:R_Models_K5x_K5212_202008_20200714 R_Models_K5x_K5212_202008
Which is the latest mentions Hypoid Axle Oil G3 only
pglaves
#13338
I suspect that as soon as the intern who is updating the manuals catches up with the person in marketing who gets the memo from legal about which company is the new sponsor for the racing team we will get some clarity as to which lubricant to use. I still remember when it was everything Castrol until it suddenly wasn't.
riderr1150gsadv
Well-known member
I'll just stick to a synthetic GL5 75/90 and not worry about the latest fad or brand of the day in oil... YMMV
rxcritical
New member
I have the one for my 18 R1200RT.
Version: R_Models_K5x_202008_20200715 R_Models_K5x202008
Yesterday when I first checked it just showed the Hypoid G3 as the only option. For giggles I checked for updates and loaded the update. When I rechecked it showed the Synthetik OSP in addition to the G3
rxcritical
New member
Well when my dealer performed the 600 mile service the paperwork states they used the Final Drive Gear Oil C-SAF-XO 75W-90. (PN 07 51 2 293 972)
So I went to my dealer and talked to the parts guy and that is what they said that BMW North America told them to use.
I bought a liter for $25 which is probably high but I was there and it should last me for this change and the next 4 years.
They also sold a 200 ml bottle for $10 if you didn't want the liter bottle.
They also carried a BMW branded 80W-90 which was simply labeled Hypoid Gear Oil. He told me you definitely did NOT want to use that in my 18 R1200 RT.
Those were the only 2 choices for gear oil that they carried.
The BMW SAE 75W-90 I bought is simply rated API GL-5. It does state it was Made in the USA and distributed by BMW of North America.
Anyway I should at least be covered warranty wise if something happens to the final drive.
So I went to my dealer and talked to the parts guy and that is what they said that BMW North America told them to use.
I bought a liter for $25 which is probably high but I was there and it should last me for this change and the next 4 years.
They also sold a 200 ml bottle for $10 if you didn't want the liter bottle.
They also carried a BMW branded 80W-90 which was simply labeled Hypoid Gear Oil. He told me you definitely did NOT want to use that in my 18 R1200 RT.
Those were the only 2 choices for gear oil that they carried.
The BMW SAE 75W-90 I bought is simply rated API GL-5. It does state it was Made in the USA and distributed by BMW of North America.
Anyway I should at least be covered warranty wise if something happens to the final drive.
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